Mar 29, 2019 By Adam Brewer for The 3 min read

CARMICHAELS — After only collecting four hits in the season-opening win against Beth-Center, Carmichaels coach Richard Krause wanted to more production from the Mikes’ offense.

After a strong day of practice, the Mikes pounded out 13 hits and erupted for a four-inning, 15-0 non-section victory over Jefferson-Morgan Friday afternoon.

“We didn’t hit the ball well against Beth-Center a couple of days ago,” Krause said. “We really focused on getting better at-bats and making contact with the ball. I had two of my assistant coaches, which both pitch in college, throw at them. We wanted to hit live. I was really happy with our lineup today and how we took nice cuts at the plate.”

The Mikes (2-0) collected five runs in the opening inning and then added seven in the second inning to take firm command of the game.

Logan Mayhle picked up the win for Carmichaels, going four innings and allowing just one hit with five strikeouts and no walks on 43 pitches.

“We are really happy with Logan’s performance today,” Krause said. “He was efficient with his pitches and controlled the strike zone. He was focused and didn’t relax out there knowing he had the big lead. Command is always key for him on the mound.”

Bryce Bedilion took the loss for the Rockets (0-2), lasting just 1.2 innings with four walks and a strikeout. Kyle Clayton pitched the remainder of the game for the visitors.

Jefferson-Morgan committed five errors and only had one base runner, a two-out single by Devin Stoneking in the second inning. The Rockets’ senior captain Jacob Broadwater was also pulled from the game in the bottom of the second with an apparent arm injury.

“We just got beat in every aspect of the game today,” J-M coach John Curtis said. “It’s very disappointing. I know we are young, but we are not coming around as we should. We have played two games, two scrimmages and have had six weeks of practice. We should be progressing more. The kids need to look in the mirror and take charge of their play.”

After Mayhle retired the side in order in the top of the first, the Mikes got their offense started when lead-off hitter Gavin Pratt cracked a double. Dylan Walker drew a bases-loaded walk that scored Pratt for the game’s first run.

Matthew Barrish scored on an errant pick-off throw to first base, and Carmichaels then pushed its lead to 5-0 when Wilson scored on a wild pitch and Stush Ferek stroked an RBI single.

The Mikes sent 12 to the plate in the second frame. The key hits in the inning were RBI singles by Ferek and Drake Long, followed by a run-producing double from Pratt and a two-run double by Barrish.

Ferek collected his third hit of the day with a two-run single in the third inning.

Carmichaels invoked the mercy rule with one out in the bottom of the fourth inning when Wilson smacked an RBI single that scored Jacob Hair.

“You’re always looking for a game like this at the beginning of the year to jump-start your offense,” Krause said. “Hopefully, we can carry this momentum into the next couple of games and into our section opener next week.”

The Mikes continue their non-section schedule with a home game against West Greene on Monday.

Up next for Jefferson-Morgan is a non-section game against Washington Monday at Wild Things Park.